Hip Labral Tear and Impingement (FAI) Physiotherapy in Clapham
Deep pain in the front of your hip or groin, clicking or catching, or pain when you squat, sit or lunge? Hip impingement and labral tears often respond well to physiotherapy. Olivia offers thorough, unhurried care at our Clapham clinic.
Understanding Hip Labral Tears and Impingement (FAI)
As part of our hip physiotherapy for women, Olivia treats hip labral tears and femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) in Clapham, with exercise-based rehabilitation to reduce pain and get you moving confidently again.
What Is Hip Impingement (FAI)?
Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is when the ball and socket of the hip make early contact during movement, because of small differences in the shape of the bones. According to the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, many people have these bone shapes without any symptoms, and FAI syndrome is only diagnosed when there are symptoms too.
What Is a Hip Labral Tear?
The labrum is a rim of cartilage around the hip socket that helps keep the joint stable. It can be damaged by impingement, repetitive movements, a twisting injury or, in some cases, general wear. Labral tears often occur alongside FAI.
Symptoms
- Deep pain in the front of the hip or groin
- Pain when squatting, lunging or bringing your knee to your chest
- Pain or stiffness after sitting for a long time
- Clicking, catching or locking in the hip
- Reduced hip movement
How Physiotherapy Helps
The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital advises that exercise-based physiotherapy should be the first treatment for FAI syndrome, for at least three months. Treatment may include:
- Advice on which positions and activities to adjust for now
- Strengthening for your hip, buttock and core muscles
- Exercises to improve hip control and movement
- A gradual return to sport, yoga, running or the gym
Adjusting Your Activities
Deep hip bending, such as low squats, deep lunges, some yoga poses or sitting in low chairs, can aggravate symptoms. Small adjustments while you build strength can make a big difference, without stopping the things you enjoy.
When Surgery Is Considered
Most people improve with physiotherapy. If symptoms continue despite a good course of rehabilitation, your GP can refer you to an orthopaedic surgeon to discuss options such as hip arthroscopy (keyhole surgery). Physiotherapy is also an important part of recovery after surgery.
Other Causes of Groin Pain
Groin pain can also come from the hip flexors, the pelvis or the pubic joint. Read more about hip flexor strain and pelvic girdle pain. Olivia will assess you thoroughly to find the source of your pain.
What Happens at Your First Appointment
Your first appointment lasts 60 minutes and takes place in a private room at our Clapham clinic. Olivia will:
- Talk through your symptoms, the activities that trigger them, any scans so far and your goals
- Assess your hip, pelvis and back, your strength and how you move
- Explain what she has found and agree a treatment plan with you
- Give you exercises and practical advice to start at home
Meet Olivia, your Pelvic Floor physio
Chartered Women's Health & MSK Physiotherapist
Olivia Denman
Olivia founded Liv Physio to give women the specialist, unhurried care they deserve, especially those who have felt overlooked by the healthcare system. She is Master’s-qualified, with five years of experience across the NHS and private practice.
She specialises in pelvic floor and urogynaecological conditions, including prolapse, incontinence and pelvic pain, alongside pre- and postnatal care, with advanced training through the POGP. Every appointment is one-to-one, in a safe, judgement-free space where you’ll be truly listened to.
Registered and accredited
Pricing & Appointments
Single Session Initial appointments & follow-ups
A one-to-one, 60-minute appointment with Olivia at our Clapham clinic. Your session includes a thorough assessment, hands-on treatment and a personalised plan, with exercises to continue at home between appointments.
The Clapham Clinic
Inside the clinic
A calm, private space
Liv Physio is ideally situated in the heart of Clapham, London, nestled between the green expanse of Clapham Common and the boutiques of Abbeville Village.
Our clinic at Lion Yard has been designed to feel calm and welcoming from the moment you arrive, with a bright reception, a comfortable waiting area and a private treatment room.
It is a space where you can relax, take your time and talk openly about anything, however personal.
Find us
Clinic location
AddressLiv Physio, 7 Lion Yard, Tremadoc Road, Clapham, London SW4 7NQ
Appointment hoursMonday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
All visits are by appointment only, so please book before coming to the clinic.
Labral Tear and FAI FAQs
- Can a hip labral tear heal without surgery?
Many people with labral tears improve with physiotherapy and don’t need surgery. The labrum itself has a limited ability to heal, but strengthening the muscles around the hip can reduce symptoms and improve function.
- Do I need a scan to diagnose FAI?
Diagnosis is based on your symptoms, a clinical examination and imaging. Olivia can assess you and advise whether a referral for a scan or a specialist opinion would be helpful.
- Can I still do yoga or exercise with hip impingement?
Usually, yes, with some adjustments. Deep hip bending can aggravate symptoms, so Olivia can help you modify your exercise while you build strength.
- How long does physiotherapy for FAI take?
UK guidance suggests at least three months of exercise-based physiotherapy, as it takes time to build strength and control around the hip.
- Do I need a referral for hip labral tear physiotherapy?
No, you can book directly with us. Olivia is happy to work alongside your GP, consultant or surgeon if needed.
What our patients say
What I’ve appreciated most is how comfortable and at ease she makes you feel. She is kind, understanding and non judgemental, which makes talking about things that can sometimes feel quite personal so much easier. She always takes the time to listen and explains everything clearly, and the exercises are tailored to what I feel comfortable with.
I’m really grateful for all her support and would definitely recommend Olivia to anyone looking for postnatal or pelvic floor support.
Free 15-Minute Initial Consultation Call
This complimentary consultation call is your chance to meet Olivia, discuss your goals, and see if she's the right fit for you. You'll learn about her approach, how physiotherapy can help your condition, and what to expect from sessions including treatment options and pricing.
Please note: No physical treatment, diagnosis or clinical assessment is provided during this consultation.
Get in Touch
We are always on hand to help with any queries you may have.
We suggest you use our contact form to get in touch so we can direct your query to the relevant person.
Call Us or WhatsApp Us
To speak to our specialist, please call us on 020 8058 0762
(our lines are open Monday – Sunday 8am to 8pm).
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Care you can trust
Why choose Liv Physio?
Choosing the right specialist makes all the difference. At Liv Physio, you’ll find expert, unhurried care in a calm and private clinic in Clapham, delivered with warmth and a genuine commitment to getting you the results you deserve.
Specialist care: Women’s health is our focus, not an add-on. Every appointment is with a chartered physiotherapist with advanced training in pelvic health.
Time to listen: Unhurried, one-to-one appointments, so we can understand the full picture and you never feel rushed.
A holistic approach: We look beyond your symptoms to the lifestyle, hormonal and day-to-day factors behind them, using evidence-based treatment.
A safe space: A calm, private, judgement-free clinic where you can talk openly about anything, however personal.